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Raising Sons: Parenting Basics-Safety First
Raising Sons: Parenting Basics
As this year draws to a close and I reflect back on the many young men, families and professionals I have met both locally and online, I felt this is a good topic to discuss again. Far too often in my practice I meet families that are in the “cycle of abuse.”
Originally published December 15, 2015:
Following up on my Facebook comments regarding the essay “Black and Blue” by NHL star Patrick O’Sullivan, I have more to say! (more…)
Your Son Needs Therapy. Find Out How to Afford Help!
My Son Needs Therapy! How Can I Afford That?!?
Raising Sons: Your Health Insurance Could be a Resource
Does your son need therapy? I can’t tell you the number of times I hear a single parent mom say “my son needs therapy, I think he’s in trouble but I can’t afford to get help.”
This assumption can be costly. Here are the steps to take before you assume you can’t afford therapy for your son: (more…)
Raising Your Son: the Best Gift to Give
Raising Your Son
Raising your son can be challenging at times. I want you to know the best gift you can give your son. It isn’t a new video game or new pair of jeans, it’s not tangible at all, and it is the best gift you can give!
My Gift to You
The number of boys growing up without a father is staggering. The side effects can be devastating. I make it my life’s mission to give you all the guidance I can to help you while raising your son. (more…)
Raising Your Son to be a Healthy Engaged Adult
What is the key to raising your son to be a healthy engaged adult? My answer is a modern-day rite of passage. Which usually leads to the question “What is a “rite of passage?” It’s a term that most people equate with times past like “sending a boy into the wilderness to learn to survive and reemerge as a man.” As society evolved, we have failed to adapt and incorporate a “rite of passage” when raising sons. I want to remind and reinforce the importance of rites of passage when raising your son.
A Modern Day Rite of Passage done in the right way, led by a healthy male example, will help adolescent boys transition through the next phase of their life with less confusion and turbulence. Most importantly, it will lead to healthy adulthood and teach the lessons a boy needs to be engaged as an adult! (more…)
Parenting Tips: Asperger’s Syndrome
As a young counselor, my first work before receiving my masters was working as a case manager and facilitator at Judivine-A Center for Autism. At the same time, I was Big Brother to three emotionally disturbed adolescent boys as a volunteer through Big Brothers/Big Sisters. My training was essential on a basic level and the experience even more so for the work I accomplished working with the behaviorally, emotionally, and socially disordered adolescent population.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), aka Asperger’s Syndrome
At present and on average, I have a case a month with a client presenting with ASD that at times has not been diagnosed correctly. (more…)
Parenting Sons- What You Need to Know About ADD/ADHD Medication
Parenting Sons: What You Need to Know About ADD & ADHD Medications
About a year ago I wrote about the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD, a “label” I see far too often in my practice. I continue to see even more problems and concerns with boys being prescribed these medications.
Does He Really Need ADD or ADHD Medications?
Overall ADD/ADHD medications are overused, and commonly prescribed to treat behavior problems. I know because I have worked with 2000+ boys in my practice. Typically, with the behaviors associated with ADD/ADHD there are underlying issues. Some of those issues range from depression to PTSD to an unstable environment. What I’ve also learned in my practice is once the cause is treated, and more importantly dealt with, the symptoms often disappear- without the use of ADD/ADHD medicine. (more…)
Parenting – 3 Step Process to Develop Your Son’s “Exit Plan”
Parenting, when does it end?
As most parents know, there is no magic age that your parenting duties are over. Some of you may have sons at home that are now adults, maybe even well over the age of 18. So, what is the next step to get him out on his own? Let’s be clear, this is not about “kicking your son out of the house” into a scary world without preparation. It is exactly the opposite-it is responsible parenting, preparing him to be a responsible, independent and healthy adult.
Too many times these days I’m hearing from parents that their son has no motivation or goal; my first response is does he have an “exit plan?” (more…)
To Spank or Not to Spank? A Parent’s Guide on Spanking
Spanking- One of the more controversial parenting topics. Recently I had a twitter follower ask for my “view” on spanking. What a great topic! I know many have passionate views on spanking- on both sides of the fence. Quite a few other parents wonder “What is right? Should I spank or not spank?”
Teaching A Toddler Right from Wrong
I hear this often, “There’s no owner’s manual to refer to when you have a child!” Many times we’re left to our instincts or purely by doing “it” the way our parents did. Many times that is appropriate. But what happens when you didn’t have a good role model to follow and you want to be a better parent? (more…)
Sons in Crisis Means “Pay Attention!”
Is your son in crisis? He is saying “Pay attention!”
The word “crisis” appears with regularity in America’s culture these days. It seems just about every problem and situation can be evidence of something much larger that demands our immediate attention.
If There’s Trouble-Then There’s Crisis
I believe we have a different sort of crisis on our hands. It is prevalent yet receives little media attention. Our boys are in trouble and it’s not getting any better. As a society we’re failing our boys. I have worked with more than two thousand boys, aged 11 to 19, since 1996 and have witnessed the complete range of problems boys face today, from bullying to heroin addiction, with all the painful and destructive forces in between. (more…)
Parenting Tips: Quick Tips for Parenting Young Men 17-19 Years Old
I’ve been sharing with you “5 quick tips for parenting” boys 11-13 and 14-16 years old. This age group is unique and I’ll tell you why. They are or should be young adults at this point. They do still need parenting and more importantly, he needs help outlining “critical next steps” and his “exit plan.”
Why do I have to be home by midnight-“I’m an adult, you can’t tell me what to do.” I’m pretty sure you’re hearing that every weekend!
- My advice: Setting a curfew is a perfect example of boundaries and limits. Not to mention, you need to be able to relax and fall asleep knowing he’s home and he’s safe. In order to learn in life not everything is “free will” it’s vital he learn boundaries and limits.
